Helmut Richter, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on June 25, 2023.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Renate, with her unexpected passing at the age of 77 on January 8, 2022.  Loving parents to Sonia Richter (Karl Kaufmann) and Erika Hanisch (the late Bill); devoted grandparents of Nick and Joe; dear brother of Evi Kempen (Jupp); dear sister of the late Rudolf Alt (Maria) and Emilie Hammond (Bob); fond aunt and uncle; good friends to many.

He was born in Hof, Czechoslovakia.  He had a hard childhood as his life was forever changed by the events of World War II.  His father was classified as missing in action in 1945 when he was just 9 years old.  This caused him to assume adult responsibilities at a very young age.  He began working as a full-time machinist apprentice at the age of 14, completing a 3.5-year long program.  He worked hard and did his best to help support the family.

However, he also had the urge to travel and see the world.  He spent one year traveling through India on a motorcycle, among other adventures.  He decided he wanted to see America and arrived in Chicago in 1960.  He had a sponsor and had found employment as a tool and die maker.  The U.S. Army had other plans for him – he was inducted into the service in August of 1961.  He somehow managed to get himself assigned to a post in Augsburg, Germany – nearby the town of Leipheim where his family was living.  He returned to Chicago in August of 1963 and resumed his previous tool and die position while remaining on active reserve duty until his honorable discharge in July of 1967.  He always maintained an active membership in the American Legion and the VFW.        

He had become active with the Fichte Rams Soccer Club upon his arrival in Chicago.  This is where he met Renate as her father and brother were also active with the club.  Renate and her family had arrived from Kikinda, Yugoslavia when she was eight years old.  It was quite the adjustment for a young girl who spoke no English and wore braids and orthopedic shoes, unlike all of her new classmates.  She hated being different than the other kids.  She persevered, learned English and began to make friends in her new home.  She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1962 and contributed to the workforce in various clerical positions over the years. 

Renate waited for Helmut to return from the Army and they married in 1964.  Sonia was born a year later and Erika two years after that.  Life was very busy for them with two small children; both working, and only one car.  Helmut was often at work or at soccer so Renate had to ride her bicycle to buy groceries.  One kid in a basket in the front; one in a seat in the back and groceries hanging on the handlebars.  When she couldn’t take it anymore, she enlisted the neighbor next door to teach her how to drive.  Again, she persevered, and eventually talked Helmut into getting her a car of her own.  She loved driving and was always happy to hop in the car and go for a spin.

The years passed quickly.  They experienced all of life’s events together – births, job changes, money issues, sickness, friend and family deaths.  The girls grew up, got married, moved out.  Renate retired many years before Helmut.  She was tired of the work grind and ready to enjoy her retirement.  She spent time doing the things she loved most:  a bit of traveling with Helmut, some traveling with girlfriends, meeting the girls for a night out, doting on her grandchildren, cuddling with her beloved pets, watching movies on TV.  Helmut retired from his position as Machinist Foreman of the Specialty Trades division of the Chicago Park District in 2004.  It took him some time to get used to retirement but he filled his time with working around the house, continued support of the Fichte by attending games and club events, and spending time with Renate.

They both suffered various medical issues as they aged but they carried on as best they could and supported one another through doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabs.  He deeply missed his other half after she passed.  Not a day went by that he didn’t talk about her.   

She was known for her embracing arms, her loving heart, her wicked sense of humor, and the way she swore like a sailor. 

He was the loving patriarch of our family who taught us the importance of determination, strength, resilience, and hard work.

They will always remain in our thoughts, our hearts, and be forever loved.

The Richter & Hanisch Families

A visitation for both Helmut and Renate will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 5pm to 8pm at the Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center, 6471 N. Northwest Hwy. (1 blk north of Devon), Chicago. An extended obituary can be found at www.cremation-society.com. For info: 773-774-3333